Today was my last day at the Kokomo Tribune. I arrived on my usual time, wrote the best bets for Friday, and worked on the answer book before calling it quits and heading home. As I walked down the stairs for the last time a thought occured to me, now that I don't have my internship, and I haven't gotten a call back from either of the places I applied to, I have nothing. Even though it wasn't a job, and I didn't get paid, the internship felt like I was doing something with my college degree. Now that it is over, I will have to wait to get a job in order to write or edit again, and that may take some time considering it took three weeks to find out I didn't get either of the jobs I applied for. It could be months or years until I work for a paper or publishing company. In the meantime, I'll have nothing to make me feel like a writer or a success. I should have left feeling more confident and accomplished, but all I feel is depressed.
Aug 19, 2009
Aug 4, 2009
Comming to an End
After about three months, I finally picked an end date for my internship, which tentatively, is Aug. 18. I think I have learned all that I can from this experience. I've learned a little and wrote a lot. I've had a lot of fun and met some nice people. I especially liked working with Erin and Ken. I will never forget my first and second day there. It was really awesome how I got to dive right in. But now, I think I'm ready to move on. I'm starting to get busy and I need to concentrate on finding a career. I've come to realize that this internship will probably not help me get a job around here--because there aren't any. But it will give me the clips and experience to get a job somewhere else. So far, I've applied for two copyeditor positions and recieved a call from both. Both of them will get back with me in one or two weeks for an interview, so now all I can do is play the waiting game. Meanwhile, I will wrap things up at the Kokomo Tribune and try to get all of my personal framing projects done at Hobby Lobby so that I can purchase them with my discount.
Jul 31, 2009
Graduation Survey
I recieved an email from IU Kokomo wanting me to fill out a survey to inform them what I've been doing since graduation. Well, I've been working at Hobby Lobby, interning at the Kokomo Tribune, and reading a lot of manga while watching Roseanne. What I'd like to tell them is that I've got an awesome career doing what I love--and what I went to college to do.
If I wait a week or two to answer the survey, I may get a chance to say just that. That is, if I get hired. So, I'm going to wait it out. In the past, not many English majors reported having careers in their area of study--or any job for that matter. I'd like to help end that trend. Right now, answering that survey would be just as awkward and disheartening as talking to a classmate I haven't seen for awhile. The inevitable question always gets asked, "Where are you working?" Currently, I'm working retail. I don't want to put that on the survey any more than I like admitting it to others or myself. I want IU to read that Toni Betzner is a copy editor.
If I wait a week or two to answer the survey, I may get a chance to say just that. That is, if I get hired. So, I'm going to wait it out. In the past, not many English majors reported having careers in their area of study--or any job for that matter. I'd like to help end that trend. Right now, answering that survey would be just as awkward and disheartening as talking to a classmate I haven't seen for awhile. The inevitable question always gets asked, "Where are you working?" Currently, I'm working retail. I don't want to put that on the survey any more than I like admitting it to others or myself. I want IU to read that Toni Betzner is a copy editor.
Job of my Dreams
The job of my dreams posted a hiring ad a couple of weeks ago. I stumbled upon it after being contacted by an old coworker on a networking website. I noticed that the ad was posted on my fiance's birthday--July 13, which is coincidental. Or is it?
The position is for a copy editor at a great publishing company. Thirty-hour work weeks, seven-hour days, benefits, and an indoor gym. It's the job of my dreams. I applied immediately and I was lucky enough to receive a call a week later.
Today, with fiance and baby, I went to Indianapolis to take a grammar assessment test. In a week or so I will find out if nearly a week of studying grammar guides and the Chicago Manual of Style paid off.
I feel so much right now, it's difficult to compartmentalize my emotions. Getting this job would mean the end of financial struggles and a new life. While a part of me still rejects the idea of so much changing practically overnight, as we headed north towards home, and Indy shrank in the rear-view mirror, I knew it's what I want.
Someone predicted that college graduates of 2009 would take up to two years to find jobs after college. If I get hired at this company, I will be ahead of the game.
In the meantime, all I can do is wait and apply for other openings.
The position is for a copy editor at a great publishing company. Thirty-hour work weeks, seven-hour days, benefits, and an indoor gym. It's the job of my dreams. I applied immediately and I was lucky enough to receive a call a week later.
Today, with fiance and baby, I went to Indianapolis to take a grammar assessment test. In a week or so I will find out if nearly a week of studying grammar guides and the Chicago Manual of Style paid off.
I feel so much right now, it's difficult to compartmentalize my emotions. Getting this job would mean the end of financial struggles and a new life. While a part of me still rejects the idea of so much changing practically overnight, as we headed north towards home, and Indy shrank in the rear-view mirror, I knew it's what I want.
Someone predicted that college graduates of 2009 would take up to two years to find jobs after college. If I get hired at this company, I will be ahead of the game.
In the meantime, all I can do is wait and apply for other openings.
Jul 15, 2009
Taking a Chance
I used to wish I had a different name. One that sounded more suitable for a writer. Something that flowed better and had more than two syllables. Now, I'm glad my name is Toni. Toni is a great name for a writer, because it doesn't rhyme with any bad words or body parts. This occured to me the other day, because one of the writers on the paper has a name that easily sounds like bastard. This, of course, had occured to the woman who wrote a complaint about him, exclaiming that he should be fired.
Apparently, he was not the only writer under fire that day. It seemed like everyone received either a nasty email or phone call--except for the unimportant intern that is. I quietly dabbled in my work while the entire newsroom became enraged.
This has pretty much made up my mind on whether or not I want to be a writer. Last night, I promptly applied for the job of my dreams. I had ruled out living in Indy because of the crime, and the fact that I don't like merging, but I think I'll risk getting shot at the Walmart and colliding with a semi if it means I won't have to write. I've already received more feedback from this company than the last place I applied to, even though it is only an email acknowledging that they recieved my resume.
I realize, I could do something I don't want to do because it's easier, or I could take a chance and maybe get a job that I'll really like. So, we'll see what happens.
Apparently, he was not the only writer under fire that day. It seemed like everyone received either a nasty email or phone call--except for the unimportant intern that is. I quietly dabbled in my work while the entire newsroom became enraged.
This has pretty much made up my mind on whether or not I want to be a writer. Last night, I promptly applied for the job of my dreams. I had ruled out living in Indy because of the crime, and the fact that I don't like merging, but I think I'll risk getting shot at the Walmart and colliding with a semi if it means I won't have to write. I've already received more feedback from this company than the last place I applied to, even though it is only an email acknowledging that they recieved my resume.
I realize, I could do something I don't want to do because it's easier, or I could take a chance and maybe get a job that I'll really like. So, we'll see what happens.
Jul 1, 2009
Validation vs. Doubt
Last week, after my story about Harmony Inc. ran, I got a call from the woman I interviewed for the story thanking me for writing a wonderful article and telling people about the event. It was very validating as a writer to receive her praise especially while I've been doubting if this is something I really want to do--or would even be good at. Even with this compliment, I am still torn, especially as I sit at my desk, which is really Addie's desk, and look around the newsroom at the real writers. They all seem so confidant/competent at what they do. I know I'm a good writer, as far as writing soft news and local events, but these people are tackling the hard news: stories about fires, arrest, court cases, budget meetings, and all kinds of stuff I can't fathom, let alone write a decent/intelligent article about. I just fear that my limitations of what I can cover (well) will prevent me from getting a good job. I'd love to do what Erin does: work for a lifestyles section and just write community events and a column every week.
Jun 24, 2009
Bad Start/Good Finish
Got off to a bad start today. I got up late and had to clean a ink mark and soda spill from my new car. After that, things started to improve. I got my interview and a lot of laundry done. Not to mention, some much needed rest and relaxation.
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